In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Patrick Vernon about his career tackling inequality, challenging power and working across health, social care, government and communities.

They explore health equity, community-powered commissioning, co-production and the challenge of genuinely integrating health and social care - asking what needs to change for communities to have a greater voice in shaping the services they rely on.
A thought-provoking conversation about institutional structure, power and creating a health and care system that works for everyone.

In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Melanie Williams, Executive Director of Adults, Wellbeing and Organisational Change (DASS) at West Northants Council, and Former ADASS President, about her 30-year career in social care and her passion for social justice, equality and better lives for people.

They explore technology as a tool for participation, supporting working-age adults and transition pathways, safeguarding, links to neighbourhood health and the challenges facing local government - as well as what needs to change to turn ambition into meaningful action.

A thought-provoking conversation about empathy, leadership, technology and the future of care.

What does it take to create truly person-led care?

In this episode, Amy Lewis speaks with Chris Watson, Founder of Self-Directed Futures, about why choice, control and self-directed support remain central to improving adult social care.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across commissioning and social care, Chris shares his perspective on the challenges of traditional care models, the importance of good commissioning, and how organisations can better support people to live the lives they choose.

If you're interested in understanding the commissioning aspirations that enable people to lead their own support, this episode is for you.